To manage, coordinate, and supervise the Animal Control Section and to ensure the enforcement of animal control ordinances.
- Coordinates and supervises the activities of the Animal Control Section; develops, revises and interprets rules, regulations, and procedures to administer provisions of animal control codes and/or ordinances.
- Performs independent investigations or responds to citizens’ complaints of animal related nuisances and violations of animal ordinances; investigates animal bite cases and locates, quarantines and observes animals for symptoms of rabies and other diseases.
- Gathers evidence and information, prepares reports for the Santa Fe Animal Shelter and related agencies; appears in court to testify regarding violations; supervises, evaluates, and trains subordinate personnel.
- Provides informational services to the public on animal control rules, regulations, and ordinances; assists in budget preparation; may patrol assigned areas by motor vehicle to enforce animal control ordinances.
- Maintains inventory of field and office supplies; attends staff meetings; maintains animal control vehicles.
- Restrains animals during protective custody cases and accidents; performs educational workshops for area students; and assists in directing traffic and retrieval of animals during protective custody cases.
Knowledge/Skills:
- Extensive knowledge of animal collection and control methods; of regulations and ordinances related to animal control; of proper methods in the care and handling of animals and of investigative methods and techniques.
- Skill in supervising, training and instruction.
- Skill in records management.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle and animal control devices such as traps, leads, nets and catch-all’s.
- Ability to read and interpret laws and regulations accurately and understand terms.
- To effect equitable solutions and legal compliance through the application of persuasiveness, diplomacy and tact; to enforce ordinances and regulations firmly, tactfully and impartially;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, co-workers, and officials; and to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to operate various word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software programs.
- Ability to prepare accurate, complete and legible reports and to present detailed, accurate, and objective oral presentations and responses to questions.
- High school diploma or equivalent plus three (3) years of education, inspection, investigations and/or experience in the field of animal care or control, law enforcement experience, or two (2) years of general supervisory or management experience.
Working Conditions:Work is performed occasionally in an office environment and frequently outdoors in varied weather conditions with exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles and/or allergens. Work involves high risk or potentially dangerous situations, exposure to hazardous materials, excessive noise, hostile individuals, and work near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery. Work requires the use of protective clothing, equipment, devices or materials. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; stoop, kneel or crouch; and talk or hear. Ability to lift over 100 lbs. Clarity of vision at long distance and short distance is required. Evening, holiday, and weekend work is required. Overnight travel is required.
Conditions of Employment:Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties. Candidate must obtain and/or maintain all certifications required.
